I'm so glad. Love is a subject I could write about every day. Valentine's Day only comes once a year but ...I'd love to celebrate it all year long. I'm such a romantic!
In the Bible, the book of 1 Corinthians 13 is all about love. It's often quoted during wedding ceremonies. What do I learn about love from these passages?
I learn that:
- If I'm gifted with many talents
- Give all I have to the poor
- Suffer terribly in my body
- Have an abundance of knowledge to share
But if I don't have love ...I gain nothing.
I can be "doing" all the right stuff but if my motive isn't love then it really doesn't matter. I might be able to fool myself but God knows my heart. I can't hide from Him.
The verses go on to say what love is and how it's seen in action. Phrases like love is patient, kind, does not boast, is not rude, or self-seeking, or easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs.
As I thought about love, it became easier to write my thankful Thursday list. Instead of focusing on all of the problems and irritations in life, I choose to focus on remembering the good and kind and lovely. And for that, I'm truly thankful.
I'm thankful for:
- God's love that lives in my heart and enables me to love even difficult people. Remember, I'm a work in progress but He is teaching me to do this even though ...there are times when I fail miserably.
- My husband's love that has been growing so much more as we go through a challenging time in life.
- My family's love and support.
- Ruth who emails me words of encouragement every week.
- Debra of Clothed With Scarlet who reached out to me this week in a very precious way even though we've never met face to face.
My friend Helen, who along with her husband John and grandson Joseph, took the time to drive the long distance to attend church with me and take me to lunch on my birthday.
- Friends Terri and Janet who extended the fun and splurged on a birthday celebration at Lon's at the Hermosa. We ate on the patio surrounded by the beauty of the Arizona desert.
- Sue and Barb who consistently keep in touch with me and meet for coffee at Einstein Brothers Bagels to offer encouragement.
- My friend Robyn who I've known since the second grade. I sat behind her in class and she helped me learn to write in script. She's so consistent in sending cards and emails.
- My friend Kathy who doesn't like email too much but stays in touch with me by phone. I've known Kathy since 7th grade and we recently had the opportunity to spend time together after many years apart.
- My brother-in-law Frank who has gone out of his way to help get our house ready to sell.
- My mentor Susie who offered to drive me to our Group of 12 luncheon today so we could spend time talking along the way.
When I choose to take the time to focus on all that I can be thankful for and to remember the many people who've demonstrated love in action ...my perspective changes.
Worry and fear are replaced with ...love and contentment in all circumstances.
On this thankful Thursday will you choose to take the time to write a thankful list? And don't forget to add a comment and share something you're thankful for today. You can visit other blogs participating in thankful Thursday by linking here. 
But if I don't have love ...I gain nothing.
My friend Helen, who along with her husband John and grandson Joseph, took the time to drive the long distance to attend church with me and take me to lunch on my birthday.
Worry and fear are replaced with ...love and contentment in all circumstances.